The statistics for lost or stolen laptops are very high, about one in ten. If you add the fact that computers and laptops get hacked, the statistics are even worse. It is essential to take the following precautions to avoid any headaches or lessen the financial and personal impact of it if you become a victim:
- Always regularly backup your data and use an online backup tool that automates your backup.
- Do not keep sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security, or birthdate information on your laptop.
- Have a password set and make it difficult or complicated. This password should not be easy to figure out.
- Encrypt your hard drive. If you have Windows Pro, you can use Bit Locker, a free utility from Microsoft. It cost $99 to upgrade from Windows Home Edition to Pro. Otherwise, you can find encryption software for less than $99.
- Use GPS applications – Many device tracking applications are available nowadays, such as Lojack and other GPS programs that some vendors provide. Some laptops have a device tracking feature that needs to be enabled. There are certain factors involved in this option to be viable. Your laptop needs to be connected to the internet before GPS can pick it up.
- Keep the model number and the serial number on file and handy if you need to report to authorities.
- Protect your laptop and other valuables by insuring them for loss or theft.
If you lose your laptop for any reason, the first thing is not to panic and follow these steps:
- Go back to the location of the last time you saw your laptop and ask around to see if anyone has seen or reported it.
- Immediately start changing your passwords for all the significant accounts and websites you’ve visited on your laptop.
- Call your bank and credit card company, tell them what happened, change your password, get a new credit card (s), and monitor your activities.
- If you have GPS, use this feature to wipe out your hard drive as the last option.
- Inform the authorities and insurance company. In most cases, the police will not do much to find your laptop, but they can alert you if they do find it. Play it safe, and never attempt to get your stolen laptop from a thief. If the laptop is insured, the insurance company can then compensate you for purchasing a new one as these are high prices items.
- If the laptop belongs to your workplace, inform your boss and the IT department.
- Contact the manufacturer of your laptop. Some may have a database for stolen laptops and some advice on what to do.
- Get help from Social Media and tell your friends.
To safeguard your laptop, please contact us. For additional information or to have your question featured in a future column, please call us at: 855-448-2178 or email us at: info@it21st.com.
